Music

Halifax Minster has a long tradition of music making and this includes choirs, the Harrison and Snetzler organs, and an ever expanding concert programme. Currently the Vicar is Director of Music supported by Graham Gribbin as Organist and Robbie Lumb as Organ Scholar. Dr Simon Lindley, formerly of Leeds Minster, also supports the choir.

The Minster Choir

The Minster Choir sings every Sunday during term time and rehearse Tuesday evenings in the Song School of the Minster. The Choir regularly performs both for television and radio, and we are always looking for new members.

The Minster Chamber Choir is for experienced singers who sing occasional services, and some concerts. The standard is high, and an ability to read music is essential. Joint occasions with the Minster Choir and Brass make for an exciting performance, especially around Christmas and the Minster Summer Festival. New members always welcome.

Organ Recitals

The Friends of the Music organise weekly Organ recitals which take place each Thursday starting again on 1st March 2018 at 1pm.

Concert Programme

The Minster hosts concerts throughout the year. Further information can be found in the Events section of the website, and enquiries about hiring the Minster for a concert or charity fundraising event should be made through the Minster Offices.

Music

Halifax Minster is seeking personal and business sponsors to help us train the next generation of young singers.

Please help us to:

• Support a young person’s musical education

• Preserve our musical heritage

• Make a difference at your Minster!

Halifax Minster occupies an increasingly prominent role in the Region; and accordingly, the quantity and quality of music in the Minster is fast developing. Recently the choir has taken part in a range of high profile services including visits from the Archbishop of York and live television broadcasts. There are weekly organ recitals and a busy concert schedule. The Minster is a partner organisation in the Calderdale music hub, and the home of the Halifax Organ Academy, formally launched in September 2011. We are also working hard to train the next generation of choral singers.

Choristerships are awarded to make the Minster Choir accessible to all children, by giving them a rounded musical education free of charge. As well as choral and vocal training they are given lessons on an instrument by the Minster music staff or approved external tutors.

Choral Scholarships take the form of a bursary paid to young singers aged 15-23, which assists them in financing their continuing musical education. The Choral Scholars sing with the adults of the Minster Choir.

We are seeking personal or business sponsorship to allow us to expand these schemes and offer more places. £600 per year will allow us to support another young person and make an invaluable contribution to the sustainability of our living musical heritage.

Sponsors have the option of remaining anonymous, or being formally listed.

For further information, please contact the Minster Office and ask to speak to the Vicar Hilary Barber:

The present instrument dates from 1928-29, and is the work of Harrison and Harrison of Durham. It has 4 manuals and pedals, with 52 speaking stops, 15 couplers and one transfer.

Apart from a remodelling of the Great mixture in 1978, the organ has stood unaltered for 70 years. It has superb, quiet flue stops, and fine, powerful reeds, and is an excellent example of the English organ of the inter-war period. The Swell is particularly fine.

The instrument is known to contain three ranks of Snetzler pipes dating from 1766, and several additional ranks may be his work, though this cannot be ascertained with certainty.

To support the development of aspiring young singers, and to augment our developing music department, Halifax Minster is offering 4 Choral Scholarships. The Scholars will sing at Sunday Eucharist and Choral Evensong and attend weekly rehearsals.

The scholarships are open to young musicians aged 15 - 23. A good standard of vocal and general musicianship is required, along with dedication and commitment to develop as a choral singer. Full training is given in relation to the specific role.

The Minster occupies an increasingly prominent role in the Region, and recent special services have included visits from the Archbishop of York and a live television broadcast. There are weekly organ recitals and a busy concert schedule. The Minster is a partner organisation in the Calderdale music hub, and the home of the Halifax Organ Academy, formally launched in September 2011.

For further information or to discuss the post informally, please contact the Vicar Hilary Barber

The Minster occupies an increasingly prominent role in the Region, and the choir has recently taken part in a number of special services including visits from the Archbishop of York and live television broadcasts. There are weekly organ recitals and a busy concert schedule. The Minster is a partner organisation in the Calderdale music hub, and the home of the Halifax Organ Academy, formally launched in September 2011.

Halifax Minster Choristerships are open to all children aged 7-11. No previous musical training is necessary. We are looking for children with basic musical and vocal sensitivity, and an enthusiasm for singing.

Choral Scholarships are open to young musicians aged 15-23 who wish to develop their choral singing further. Scholars will be offered a free musical education worth £1500 per annum, including singing lessons by a specialist singing teacher

We are seeking business and personal sponsors to help us expand these schemes and support more young people.